Some capital cities around Australia are set to sizzle on Australia Day as thousands prepare to hit the beach while others will take to the streets to protest against the country's most controversial day.
Storms in parts of South Australia, Victoria and NSW are all possible for Wednesday as a result of humid tropical air being pushed down from the north - but the rain is unlikely to hit the capitals.
Northern parts of the country are also forecast to be battered with rainfall including in the Top End.
Melbourne and Perth will both see a scorching hot public holiday with temperatures to soar into the 30s while Sydneysiders can also plan to soak up the sunshine.
Australia Day marks a divisive day for many Aussies as calls mount for the date to be changed.
While some will hit the beach or throw a barbecue, thousands will instead march against celebrating a day when Indigenous Australians were invaded by white settlers, in what many have dubbed 'Invasion Day'.
Invasion Day rallies are set to kick off in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Perth and Brisbane on Wednesday as demonstrators call for better equality for Indigenous Australians and demand the date be changed for good.
Parts of Australia are set to sizzle for Australia Day as thousands plan to hit the beach while some inland areas prepare for a scorching 40C day
Sydneysiders are in for a warm and sunny day with the mercury to hit 27C on Wednesday (pictured, sunbakers at Bondi Beach)
Two women celebrate the national holiday last year on the back of a boat - with temperatures set to soar again on the Gold Coast
Protesters in Melbourne raise their fists in the air as they call for an end to black death in custody during marches last Australia Day
Regardless of how Aussies will mark January 26, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned of thunderstorms over the coming days with regional Victoria and South Australia to cop some rain on Wednesday.
Melbourne is forecast to reach a sweltering 35C on Wednesday with a 40 per cent chance of showers in the afternoon and evening.
BoM Meteorologist Johnathan How said that on Wednesday thunderstorms would be more
